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As residents leave, Baltimore named among top 15 shrinking U.S. cities
Fox 45 News, January 30, 2024
A recently published list placed Baltimore fourth among cities facing a decline in population, citing issues of suburbanization, high crime rates, economic hardships, and job losses. RESI Chief Economist Daraius Irani offered additional insight, making note of high tax rates, inadequate infrastructure, and reduced public services. It is expected that half of US cities will face issues of population decline; therefore, it is critical to find solutions for these areas, including Baltimore.
'It's terrible': Shoppers stunned to hear Towson Walmart will close
WBAL TV 11, March 7, 2024
Walmart recently announced that their Towson location will be closing in April, stating that the store was underperforming financially. According to RESI Chief Economist Daraius Irani, low profit margins make discount retailers like Walmart more susceptible to closure when they no longer pull in a high number of customers. However, he also notes that turnover is a standard part of the retail industry, even if this particular closure will be significant for the local area.
Commentary: Why STRIDE matters for securing Md.’s energy future
Maryland Matters, March 8, 2024
In this guest commentary by leadership at Washington Gas, the company discusses how STRIDE law aims to ensure community safety by providing incentives to the state's gas companies to expedite repairs to old pipelines. As a result, leaks in the Maryland system have dropped by 40 percent between 2019 and 2022. The commentary pushes back on opposition to STRIDE and to natural gas in general, arguing that it is important to maintain existing energy infrastructure even as the state works towards its’ emissions goals. Additionally, the commentary cites an economic impact report from the Regional Economic Studies Institute that found that Maryland's GDP will benefit by $800 million due to STRIDE investments from 2024 through 2028.
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